February 5 – 11, 2014
For All Signs: Mercury, ancient god of travel, messages and routine business, turns retrograde on Thursday this week. This phenomenon occurs three times per year, lasting approximately 3.5 weeks each. Be prepared for a flurry of phone calls and changes in schedule. If your work is related to publishing, travel or the communications industry, be prepared for last minute changes and potential computer snafus. Avoid signing contracts while Mercury is retrograde because you may change your mind later. If you must settle an issue legally at this time, be sure you thoroughly understand what you sign. Nuisance complications arise during these periods because our culture is out of touch with the natural cycles of life. The Mercury retrograde is intended to be a time of quiet thinking and reflection, gathering (but not acting upon) information, and finishing old or forgotten projects. Most of us have a hard time making final decisions during these periods because we know instinctively that conclusions are premature, requiring more data or gestation time. But our hard hitting, always forward moving, culture likes to pretend business as usual, regardless of the natural rhythms of life. So we are "destined" during this time to experience temporary snags, hang-ups and detours in routine daily affairs.
Aries: Memories from your life history may surface for examination at this time. Old friends or acquaintances who return for a short time could be the trigger for this life review. It is possible you may have a greater than normal need to reflect, to write, and otherwise give attention to your inner self. For that reason plans may not work out so well in your outer life.
Taurus: You are likely to find yourself thinking a lot about old friends and may want to get in touch with one or two of them. This is a time for nostalgia and reminiscence. Others are thinking about you, too, but you are a sign that keeps addresses and phone numbers beautifully. So pick up the telephone or send an email.
Gemini: Your ruling planet, Mercury, has altered directions in the house of career and life direction. This is really more of a tweaked change than a life change. However, if you happen to have applied for a job recently, you may find that you are changing your mind about that particular route. Now is the time to research the best possible choices, but don't take action yet.
Cancer: You may be feeling stress related to your lover or a partner, maybe a child. Underneath it all, the issue is tied to your internalized sense of what a woman “should” do or be. Our culture has always struggled with images of the feminine. Is she a caretaker or a seductress?
Leo: Mercury is retrograding in the territory of taxes, debt, and joint resources. You will likely experience a need to go back and review financial history. Some may be hesitating over whether or not to become sexually involved with a new lover. The answer for that one is to step back for now. Think again in March.
Virgo: Mercury is retrograding in the territory of significant relationships, contracts and clientele. These areas may be challenging right now because it is difficult to make decisions or finalize activities. Have patience with yourself and everyone else. It is temporary.
Libra: You may find that your diet and exercise program are on hold or treading water. You have a desire to improve your everyday environment. Before you make big purchases, organize and sort closets, records, and files. Then you can see your space and define what you truly need.
Scorpio: Mercury will be retrograding in your territory of children, creative life, and romance. You may feel the need to reconsider recent relationship decisions. It is also possible that you will want to reconnect to former lovers, even if only to check in and say hello. You’ve been in a quandary about this one all winter. Issues with children may resurface to be handled once again.
Sagittarius: The area of Mercury’s focus is related to property, family, and issues of security. You are likely reworking things in one of these territories. Family members may be erratic or hard to pin down, making it difficult to conclude open agendas. Have patience. Mercury turns direct on Oct. 28.
Capricorn: The Mercury retrograde focus is specifically on communications, neighbors, siblings, and others who are in your daily environment. Concentrate as much as possible on clear communications. Double check what you think you heard. You may need to consider the needs of your vehicle now. Give it a checkup.
Aquarius: The probability is high that you will discover some error made in the past that must be rectified fairly soon. It may be as simple as finding a bill that was forgotten and left unpaid. Or it could be a little more complicated and involve a previous misunderstanding with a loved one.
Pisces: Give attention to the lead paragraph. Mercury is turning retrograde in your sign and will be more likely to affect your daily affairs than many of the other signs. It isn't easy for you to make decisions in the first place, but don't even try to finalize anything while a retrograding Mercury is with you. Use the energy to research information and gather resources for better decisions later.
Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. (There is a fee.) Visit www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.
